Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has hailed Bangladeshi Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent Kuala Lumpur visit as a “significant step forward” in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in strategic and high-impact sectors.

The visit saw the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three “Notes of Exchange” covering defense, energy, halal products, STEM, research, education, semiconductors, and the blue economy.

A landmark outcome was the introduction of a multiple-entry visa system for legal Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, enabling them to travel home and return without reapplying for a visa. Ismail described the initiative as a gesture of gratitude for Bangladeshi workers’ contributions to Malaysia.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, while Malaysia reiterated its support for ASEAN peace efforts and international collaboration to address the Myanmar crisis and the Rohingya refugee situation.

“These agreements are not just paperwork — they will directly impact people’s lives through job creation, skills development, and joint economic growth,” Ismail said, adding that mutual respect and trust will continue to propel Malaysia and Bangladesh as regional and global strategic partners.

The Editors’ Council has strongly protested sweeping accusations made against the media at the “National Youth Conference 2025” organized by the NCP’s ‘National Youth Power.’
Conference speakers accused the media of attempting to tarnish the reputation of those involved in the mass uprising and of acting like “mouthpieces of intelligence agencies” reminiscent of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian era.
In its statement, the Editors’ Council rejected these claims, stressing that the media played a vital role during the uprising, despite facing repression, harassment, and censorship during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.
It noted that journalists brought to light state violence, human rights abuses, internet blackouts, and other crucial issues, and that most print outlets actively helped shape public opinion in favor of the uprising while working under intense pressure and threats.

Bangladesh continues to be on the World Bank’s red list for rising food inflation, where it has remained since June 2021. Between then and last July, monthly food inflation consistently stayed above 5%, with price hikes ranging from 5% to over 14% depending on the product.
To exit the red list, monthly food inflation must drop below 5% — something last achieved in May 2021 at 4.87%. Although prices eased during Ramadan and into June, they have started climbing again in recent months.

The Bangladesh Army has warned the public about multiple fake social media accounts operating under the name of Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. According to an ISPR statement issued Wednesday night, the Army Chief does not maintain any personal Facebook or other social media accounts and has no plans to do so in the future. The statement urged citizens and the media not to be misled by false information spread through these accounts.

Kuala Lumpur — Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Major General (retd) Khililur Rahman, met with ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Othman Hashim, at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting, Ambassador Hashim expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s continued generosity towards the displaced Rohingya population. Both sides voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the decline in international financial aid for Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh.

They agreed to work closely towards a swift and sustainable solution to the crisis. Rahman briefed the envoy on the upcoming stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya issue, scheduled for August 25 in Cox’s Bazar, and exchanged views on the forthcoming UN international conference on the matter. Both expressed hope that the discussions would pave the way for a concrete action plan.

Newly appointed South African High Commissioner to Dhaka, Anil Sooklal, has said his country is committed to opening an embassy in Bangladesh as soon as funding is allocated. He noted that Bangladesh and South Africa face similar challenges, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment, and that his country is eager to share its development experience.
Sooklal revealed that the idea of establishing an embassy was first proposed by Nelson Mandela during his 1997 visit to Bangladesh. He added that if a new mission opens in the region, it will be in Bangladesh. The envoy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical, garment, and agricultural sectors, and is working to arrange a high-level bilateral visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump this Friday.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders reaffirmed commitments to strengthening their “friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation.” Putin thanked Pyongyang for its military assistance in the Ukraine conflict, specifically during the recapture of the Kursk region.
Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming Alaska summit and shared details about the Trump meeting. Reports indicate that around 10,000 North Korean troops are currently fighting alongside Russian forces, which recently advanced 10 kilometers near Dobropillia, Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, India and China are planning to resume direct air services as early as next month. India’s Civil Aviation Department has reportedly asked Air India and IndiGo to be ready on short notice to operate direct routes. An official announcement may come around the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Direct flights and the Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage were halted in May 2020 due to COVID-19. Tensions escalated further after a deadly clash in Galwan, eastern Ladakh, a month later. Talks earlier this year paved the way for restoring air links as part of efforts to ease bilateral strains.

Bangladesh has sought Malaysia’s support to establish a Halal Industrial Park to tap into the fast-growing global halal products market. On Tuesday, the Chief Adviser met Malaysian halal industry officials led by Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah, Halal Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office. They highlighted that the halal market, currently worth $3 trillion, is expected to reach $5 trillion by 2030. Malaysia already operates at least 14 halal industrial parks with significant market share. Bangladesh, where only the Islamic Foundation issues halal certification—so far to just 124 firms—could play a major role with improved infrastructure and certification capacity. BIDAR’s Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud called for Malaysian help in outlining park requirements, noting growing export interest among local certified firms.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said that the scale of looting from Bangladesh’s banking sector is unparalleled anywhere in the world. He blamed rampant disorder, corruption, and a lack of governance for pushing the economy into an “ICU” at one point. In one case, he discovered that 95% of loans in a bank were non-performing. However, he noted that conditions have now improved, with inflation down to around 8%, GDP growth at 3.9% and projected to reach 5–5.7% by year’s end. While acknowledging that not all expectations were met, he insisted progress has been made. He also confirmed that Bangladesh Bank is working on unification, though political changes could alter that plan.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has invited Malaysian companies to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s new business-friendly initiatives under the interim government.
Speaking at a business forum, Yunus noted that in the past, Bangladesh’s business environment did not progress as he had hoped, but now “New Bangladesh” is fostering innovation, with business potential being a key element.
He emphasized that Bangladesh offers opportunities for young and creative individuals and urged investors to tap into the talent of young Bangladeshi expatriates abroad, who he said are always eager to contribute to their homeland.
The event began with a presentation by BIDA’s Chowdhury Ashiq, showcasing Bangladesh’s competitive advantages and the government’s efforts to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers.

London – Authorities in the United Kingdom have initiated the sale of assets belonging to former Bangladesh Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury to settle debts amounting to $350 million. Creditors include Singapore’s DBS Bank, British Arab Commercial Bank, and Bangladesh’s United Commercial Bank.
The move follows earlier money-laundering allegations against Chowdhury and investigations by Bangladeshi authorities, which uncovered his extensive UK holdings. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) seized several of his properties in June at Bangladesh’s request. Six of his companies are now under court-appointed administration. Chowdhury maintains his innocence, claiming the assets were purchased with legitimate funds.

In response to threats involving nuclear weapons and the possible destruction of the Sindh Dam, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has sharply criticized comments made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, during his U.S. visit.
India called Munir’s statements “irresponsible,” labeling nuclear threats as part of Pakistan’s “old playbook.” The statement said the international community could easily see the recklessness behind such remarks, reinforcing longstanding concerns over the safety of nuclear weapons in a country whose military has been accused of collaborating with terrorist groups.
India expressed regret that such remarks were made on the soil of a friendly third country and reiterated it “will never bow to nuclear threats” and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national security. Meanwhile, the Congress Party questioned why the U.S. would extend special honors to such a figure.

India has imposed immediate restrictions on importing four types of Bangladeshi jute products through land borders: jute fabric, jute rope, rope made from jute products, and jute sacks.
The new directive from India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) mandates that these items must now enter India via sea through Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port.
Currently, less than 1% of Bangladesh’s jute exports to India go by sea, with the rest transported by land. This is not the first time India has restricted overland imports of jute products from Bangladesh.

Chattogram Port plays a critical role in Bangladesh’s economy, handling 90% of the nation’s trade, says BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud. After visiting the port for the first time in three months, Ashik revealed that the government aims to appoint operators for the Chattogram New Container Terminal (NCT), Laldia Char, and Bay Terminal by year-end. “Every investor asks about our ports among their top five concerns,” he said. Laldia Container Terminal alone has attracted foreign investment potential of nearly BDT 5,000 crore—the largest single foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh’s history. Container handling has increased by nearly 30% compared to last month, with ship clearance times reduced by eight hours, thanks to improved operations since Chattogram Dry Dock Ltd. took charge. Weekly inter-ministerial meetings continue to expedite the operator selection process, aiming for completion before year-end.